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live Housing the World: WUF13 continues in Azerbaijan looking at advancing sustainable global urban development

The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.

10:50

Middle East conflict

live UAE and Saudi Arabia report drone incidents amid Iran conflict deadlock- Middle East conflict

A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, officials said on Sunday, with no injuries or radiation leaks reported. Saudi Arabia also said it had intercepted three drones. Meanwhile President Donald Trump urged Iran to act "fast" as diplomatic efforts stall.

Russia says Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow leaves four dead

12:00

Russia-Ukraine

Russia says Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow leaves four dead

At least four people have been killed in a major Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory, including the Moscow region, which authorities say faced its largest aerial assault in more than a year.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda global emergency

08:42

Virus Outbreak

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda global emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the situation poses a significant risk of cross-border spread in Central Africa.

Taiwan leader warns sovereignty will not be compromised after Trump‑Xi talks

18:24

Taiwan China Relations

Taiwan leader warns sovereignty will not be compromised after Trump‑Xi talks

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has reaffirmed the island’s commitment to sovereignty and regional stability following the recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

WUF13

Housing challenges affecting nearly 3 billion people top WUF agenda, UN‑Habitat chief says

16:21

WUF13

Housing challenges affecting nearly 3 billion people top WUF agenda, UN‑Habitat chief says

The global housing crisis has reached what UN officials describe as “staggering” proportions, with nearly 2.8 billion people, around 40 per cent of the world’s population, lacking access to adequate housing, secure land, or basic services such as water and sanitation.

14:36

WUF13

WUF13 opens in Baku with focus on housing, resilience and global urban reform

The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) opened in Baku with ministers, UN officials and urban policy leaders. Participants call for action on housing, sustainable development and resilient cities, as rapid urbanisation is placing pressure on infrastructure, services and living conditions.

World Urban Forum explained: housing, climate and urban future goals

10:04

WUF13

World Urban Forum explained: housing, climate and urban future goals

The World Urban Forum (WUF) opens this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together governments, city leaders, urban planners, researchers and civil society to exchange ideas on how cities can become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

Jeffrey Sachs: South Caucasus can become key connector in a multipolar world

21:47

Expert view

Jeffrey Sachs: South Caucasus can become key connector in a multipolar world

Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.

1 min ago

WUF13

live Housing the World: WUF13 continues in Azerbaijan looking at advancing sustainable global urban development

The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the of...

White House gets small rare earth win, but China's export regime is here to stay

4min ago

Rare earths

White House gets small rare earth win, but China's export regime is here to stay

China will address U.S. concerns about rare earth shortages, the White House said on Sunday in a recap of agree...

5min ago

Middle East conflict

live UAE and Saudi Arabia report drone incidents amid Iran conflict deadlock- Middle East conflict

A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, officials said on Sunday, with ...

1h ago

Morning Brief

AnewZ Morning Brief – 18 May 2026

Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 18th of May, covering the l...

1h ago

Eurovision 2026

Eurovision 2026: Where did it all go wrong for the South Caucasus?

Eurovision Song Contest once again proved how unpredictable its outcome can be, with Bulgaria’s Dara turning a late surge into a...

17:47

WUF13

Baku prepares to host WUF13 with 176 countries registered to take part

Baku will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from 17 to 22 May, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 176 countries to address the global housing crisis and sustainable urban development.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Azerbaijan President Aliyev meets world leaders in Baku as WUF drives strategic partnerships

07:50

WUF13

Azerbaijan President Aliyev meets world leaders in Baku as WUF drives strategic partnerships

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has held a series of high‑level meetings with world leaders and delegations on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku, with discussions focusing on energy, economic cooperation and international partnerships.

Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

16:36

Expert view

Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

Baku is hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together political leaders, urban planners, architects and development experts as cities worldwide face mounting pressure from climate change, rapid urbanisation and housing shortages.

Uzbekistan launches nationwide 'Car-Free Day' campaign

09:30

View from Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan launches nationwide 'Car-Free Day' campaign

Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.

Aliyev joins OTS leaders at informal summit in Kazakhstan

20:09

OTS Summit

Aliyev joins OTS leaders at informal summit in Kazakhstan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is participating in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkistan, Kazakhstan, on 15 May. The summit focuses on regional cooperation, digital development and transport connectivity.

World

World News

10:50

Rare earths

White House gets small rare earth win, but China's export regime is here to stay

China will address U.S. concerns about rare earth shortages, the White House said on Sunday in a recap of agreements struck at last week's leaders summit that fell short of calling for the removal of restrictions that have disrupted U.S. aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing.

Eight killed and dozens injured after freight train hits bus in Thailand

18:34

Train accident

Eight killed and dozens injured after freight train hits bus in Thailand

At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.

09:51

Morning Brief

AnewZ Morning Brief – 18 May 2026

Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 18th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.

16:52

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV to visit France in September

Pope Leo is set to visit France from 25 to 28 September, with a stop at UNESCO headquarters in Paris expected to form a significant part of the trip.

France opens new judicial inquiry into Jamal Khashoggi killing

17:11

Khashoggi case

France opens new judicial inquiry into Jamal Khashoggi killing

French authorities have opened a new judicial inquiry into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, bringing renewed legal attention to a case that continues to draw international focus nearly eight years after his killing.

Business

Business Economy Markets

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

08:22

Business

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its workforce on Wednesday have broken down, officials said, raising fresh concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s export-heavy economy.

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

10:43

Markets

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

08:42

China Export

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

10:30

Markets

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.

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